Creating a colour scheme in your home needn’t be daunting. Jenny Ringland discovers how to match paint colour and furnishings to create a look that wows
1. Intensity 101
Colour used to be largely about paint. But now we are seeing painted walls being used as a backdrop, or part of a colour scheme, that is completed by complementary accessories. Instead of a range of colours being used on the walls, one or two wall shades are being mixed with the colours found in furniture, wall art, rugs and cushions to create an overall effect. This creates a personalised feel.
2. Mix and match
The mix is everything when it comes to a successful colour palette. A favourite room can be just like a favourite outfit that works with your skin tone and has layers of appealing colours. When introducing colour in a room stick to three tones – one main colour, a secondary colour and an accent colour. Always check that the colours you have chosen work together by referring to a colour wheel: the best combinations come from colours that sit either side-by-side or opposite one another on the wheel.
3. Source of inspiration
The same old rules still exist in interior decorating: a colour scheme should be usually either monochromatic (tints and shades of a single colour), harmonious (similar colours) or contrasting. Each season we see an array of new colour schemes appearing, so the trick is to find something that works for you and won’t go out of fashion too quickly. Inspiration for the colours you use can come from just about any item in your existing scheme: beautiful Asian wall hangings can provide a great starting point, as can a favourite cushion cover or throw.
4. Monochromatic white
Dazzling white colour schemes are forever in. You can slap a lick of white paint on your walls and use your existing furniture - or create a white palette,layering white, off-white and coloured whites and then use accessories to draw those colours out. A white colour scheme gives you more freedom to experiment with various textures. Use white cotton throws, woolly rugs, and leather or faux fur cushions to create depth.
5. Black and white
Black-and-white colour schemes are back with a bang. The key to success is achieving the right balance. If there’s too much white, a scheme will look too stark and if there’s too much black it will look morbid. To this end, paint just one feature wall black and the remaining three walls white. Then introduce more black and white in fabrics, floor coverings, vases, furniture and artworks. Try introducing cerise accessories such as cushions or a vase as an accent to break up the contrasting palette.
6. Neutral palette
The once favoured chocolate brown palette has been replaced by a soothing combination of mid-browns, caramels and toffee colours - all of which evoke a sense of indulgence and luxury. These colours also match in perfectly with wooden furniture and flooring: a bonus for timber fans. To make this monochromatic colour scheme work in all seasons you can introduce brownish-reds in winter for warmth, and turquoises in summer for a bit of zest.
7. Perennial blue
The use of blue in your home will create a feeling of space and serenity. Turquoise, ice-blue and greyblue are all popular shades this season. Don’t be afraid to contrast blue with another strong colour such as mustard or brown. While it sounds like an unusual colour combination it will help create a cosy feel. If making such a bold colour change to blue is daunting, start small with a single wall panel and some matching accessories.
8. Harmony of nature
Colour is currently experiencing a return to nature, with rustic, earth-inspired shades creating an inviting, comforting environment. Burnt orange, scorched red, rust, sand and mud are all popular but save these rich colours for the furnishings. One idea is to create a harmonious colour scheme by painting a feature wall in burnt orange and the remaining walls in a warm, neutral beige. Use the varying grains and textures of cashmere throws, wooden furniture and stone flooring to complete the look.
9. Ecological hues
Yellow-based greens are suddenly all the rage. This demonstrates how our concern for the environment infiltrates interior design. If you’re new to colour you can choose very light-toned greens or even white-green for the walls and bring out the colour with bolder accents of green in cushions, rugs and flower arrangements. Feeling brave? Choose a rich olive green to paint one wall. Then draw focus with an indulgent olive-green cushion, keeping the remainder of the decor neutral.
10. Metallic edge
Opulence is currently in vogue when it comes to interiors and metallic paint (gold, bronze, copper or pewter) is a great way of illustrating this. This style has a bit of a vintage feel which gives you the freedom to layer different textures and fabrics. Velvet, sequins, faux fur, beads and feathers should all feature. Consider painting the walls metallic gold with a vertical freeze of champagne, add in a velvet throw, a shag-pile rug and a single chandelier to give the room a sense of old-world glamour.
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